The journey of four artists who joined a residency programme in Cape Town at The Artists Gallery culminated into an exhibition inspired by the Mother City, titled How Far is Africa?
The exhibition, which includes the work of Guillermo Bublik from Argentina, Leonard Gabriel from America, and Annette Werndl and Claudia Hassel, both from Germany, was showcased at the gallery at 18 Loop Street last week until Sunday February 23.
This was the four artists’ third joint residency, following programmes in the United States and Mexico.
At the opening of the exhibition last Tuesday, director of the gallery Barbara Lenhard said the exhibition celebrated not only the works, but the journey that brought them to life.
“Four weeks ago, four international established artists set out to explore new landscapes, perspectives and ideas, choosing a destination that would challenge and inspire them – Cape Town. What could be more captivating and inspiring than Cape Town?
“The place when history, modernity, nature and culture, tradition and innovation meet in a dynamic and ever evolving conversation. Her, inspiration is everywhere, and I feel it – in the rhythm of the waves, the colours of the city, the livelihood and the warmth of the people and the stories in its streets.
“Inspiration is not only for artists it extends to all of us standing here today. The beauty of art lies in its ability to invoke emotions, spark thoughts and to challenge perception.
“The exhibition is about seeing, feeling and asking questions – How far is Africa? Is it a physical distance, cultural perception or is it an emotional journey?
“This is for us to explore while we engage with the works.”
Mr Gabriel, an artist from Los Angeles, said his work was inspired by moments – what people were thinking at that moment, and how it expresses in your body language.
As part of the exhibition, Mr Gabriel had created images of people in moments while swimming, and another painting of a woman at a nightclub inspired by an old image.
He said the colours he used was the “rich colours” inspired by Cape Town.
During the residency, Mr Gabriel said he and the other artists, who have been at a residency together before, worked really well together and were focused on the task.
Mr Bublik, who is a trained scientist, started painting after he retired six years ago.
He said he grew up in Buenos Aires, which is on the same latitude as Cape Town, so he felt connected to the city. “I live in America now, and the sky is not the same there. I grew up with this sky, and I recognise the constellations and I felt hope.”
He said he was also inspired by the colours of the dresses of the women he saw walk past the studio in Woodstock daily. “The colours were so vivid, I had to capture what I saw.”
One of his artworks is a painting of a deconstructed South African flag painted using with the edge of a canvas.
In another painting he uses no brush, but tosses ink on the canvas and letting “gravity take its course.”
Ms Hassel who is a trained graphic designer, said in her paintings, she wanted to create a space for the viewer to move through the painting because of the colour.
She said with the abstract artwork she put together for the exhibition, she captured the colours of Cape Town – blue of the sea, the orange from the sunrise and sunsets,the green from nature and the reds and yellows from the dancers she saw busking at the Waterfront and in the city centre.
Ms Werndl said she is a colour artist and always expresses herself with colour in her art. She said her abstract painting inspired by Cape Town, captures the light, nature, the people and the sound of the city, with colour.
The event was also to announce the launch of the a new art space, 33 BREE, in collaboration with The Artists Gallery.
The venue is set to host a variety of innovative concepts, exclusive exhibitions, and art-related events, creating a platform for art lovers and creatives alike.
Anyone who would like to view the full portfolio or learn more about the artists’ journey can email contact@artistsgallery.co.za or visit artistsgallery.co.za
